Dubai is known for its impressive skyline, luxurious lifestyle, and booming economy, making it a hub for entrepreneurs and businesses from all over the world. With so much potential in the market, many are choosing Dubai to pursue business opportunities. The introduction of the UAE Golden Visa has further enhanced its appeal to foreign talents and investors, and the holders have turned to co-working spaces to fulfill their flexible workspace needs during their stay.
What is a UAE Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa is one of the most sought-after visas in the world. It allows an individual to live and work in a country for a prolonged period, without the need for frequent visa renewals. Dubai introduced the UAE Golden Visa program in 2019, and it has since become the preferred visa for skilled workers looking to establish themselves in the UAE. The holders enjoy exclusive benefits and are allowed to live and work in the country for up to ten years, without the need of a sponsor.
Who is eligible to apply?
To secure UAE’s position as an ideal destination to work, live and invest, the scope of people who are eligible for a UAE Golden Visa has been expanded in the recent years. The UAE Golden Visa policy was amended in 2022 to cover individuals in following categories: real estate investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents in the field of science, sports, art and business, as well as outstanding students and graduates. To learn more about the requirements for a successful application, prospective applicants can visit the official website and check their eligibility using the eligibility tool issued by the government.
How to apply?
Compared to other visa application process, the application for a UAE Golden Visa is very simple and can be done entirely online in 3 simple steps:
- Check your eligibility using the eligibility tool. Depending on which category you belong, the required documents might differ.
- Navigate to the official website to submit your application. For first time applicants, choose “Nomination Request for Golden Visa – New Request”. You will be prompted to online application tool where you are required to fill in your information such as passport details, profession, educational and professional background and other relevant information.
- After uploading the necessary documents, pay the application fee to finish your application. The fee depends on the your location and category, subject to potential changes determined by the government.
It can take up to 30 days for the application to be processed, depending on your chosen category and other factors. Successful applicants receive an approval letter electronically with the next steps on how to obtain the residency permit.
What are the benefits?
The UAE Golden Visa holders enjoy a wide range of unparalleled benefits compared to other work permits and residency visas. Some of the advantages include, but are not limited to:
Greater access to opportunities: The UAE Golden Visa has empowered entrepreneurs and other talented professionals in Dubai by providing them with a stable and long-term residency option. This allows them to conduct business with ease, while gaining access to a wide range of business opportunities in Dubai, such as the UAE’s thriving startup scene, tax-free business environment, world-class infrastructure, and strategic location that provides easy access to global markets.
Self-sponsorship: No employment or local sponsorship is required to obtain the UAE Golden Visa. Unlike the standard work permit, the holders can remain in the UAE without having a work contract. This encourages investors and entrepreneurs to explore business and investment opportunities more freely in the UAE.
Ability to sponsor dependents such as spouses, children and domestic workers: The UAE Golden Visa has also allowed its holders to bring their families to Dubai and provide them with a secure and stable lifestyle. This translates to increased focus and success in business operations.
Extended residency and hassle-free travel: The UAE Golden Visa can be issued up to 10 years, relieving the holder from frequent visa renewals. In contrast, regular residency visas require renewals every two to three years. The UAE Golden Visa permits multiple entries into the UAE, allowing the individual to travel in and out of the country and stay out of the country more than the usual period of six months without having to apply for a new visa, unlike the regular residency visa. This is particularly useful for business people who need to travel frequently for work.
Additional benefits include exclusive privileges when buying and renting cars, enhanced health insurance benefits and premium hospitality experiences such as special offers for dining and wellness treatments.
How do co-working spaces empower UAE Golden Visa holders?
With the UAE Golden Visa providing flexibility in terms of residence and eliminating the need for a dedicated office, co-working spaces are gaining popularity among its holders. These spaces offer flexible working options and cost savings in contrast to renting a permanent office, freeing holders from being tied down by long-term office contracts. By leveraging these workspaces, holders can meet clients and investors in a professional environment or work remotely for their businesses outside the UAE. Additionally, co-working spaces offer a conducive environment for focused work and foster connections and collaborations with fellow professionals.
At Deskimo, professionals have access to over 20 on-demand workspaces across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, catering to their need for flexibility and high-quality workspaces. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities such as high-speed internet, printing services, and in-house cafes, Deskimo workspaces provide the perfect environment for Golden Visa holders to work and network with like-minded professionals. Register today to enjoy on-demand and instant access to these workspaces and take your productivity to new heights during your stay in the UAE!